Susan Hollowell was a pillar of the community in Rushden.

Mrs Hollowell, of Bedford Road, who died suddenly last Wednesday aged 63, was involved in numerous organisations, societies and groups, and was a vociferous upholder of rights for the elderly.

As well as being the Northamptonshire and Rushden chairman of Age Concern, Mrs Hollowell ran the Cobblers day centre at Cordwainers sheltered housing in Rushden, and was actively involved in establishing the charity Serve for the elderly and infirm.

Other groups that benefited from her tireless zeal to help others were the Housemartins over-60s club, Cruse bereavement service, the Court Estate nursery, the WRVS, Rushden Flower Club and most recently the Friends of Rushden Museum (FORM), which is working towards opening a social history museum in the town.

Her daughter Sarah Peacock, who is a Rushden member of East Northamptonshire Council, said: "She loved the town and she loved being involved with people. She would give someone her last penny if she could and she was always trying to help."

Mrs Hollowell was also a leading light at Park Road Baptist Church in Rushden, playing a major part in the church's 100th anniversary celebrations last year.

The Rev. Nigel Brown said Mrs Hollowell had helped in many capacities in the church, including flowers, sorting out the archives and being involved with the Baptist Missionary Society.

Mrs Hollowell was also dedicated to her family. She leaves her husband Mick, children Sarah, Rachel and Edward and grandchildren Christopher, Matthew and Edward. The funeral service will be at Park Road Baptist Church tomorrow at 2.30pm. Family flowers only, but donations have been requested for Serve and the Baptist Missionary Society.